When you travel alone, your mind thinks it’s funny to play tricks on you. Sometimes it says mean things and makes you feel like you did back when you were in junior high.
“Look out, idiot! The traffic is coming from the other direction. Jesus Christ!”
Sometimes it likes to focus on the loneliness (or worse yet, tries to create loneliness when there isn’t any).
“Oh, that was really a stupid thing to say. No wonder you don’t have any friends, you loser.”
I’ve been in town four nights. I’ve spent three of those nights out and have already befriended a friendly Aussie expat, the couple in the second villa, and three guys who play music over at Flying Piano.
People even recognize me. One of the Flying Piano guitarists calls out my name as I walk down the street.
Four nights I’ve been here. And this guy knows my name. And he’s not the only one.
But, for some reason, my mind is telling me that I’m a lame ass and will never make the cheerleading squad, er, enjoy myself on this trip alone. Instead I should pine for the days when my fiancé joins me. Then I’ll really have fun.
Sorry, mind. I’ve got other plans. Plans that start with a little harmless lipstick and end sometime late into the night.
Other Betties Blogging About Traveling Alone
Rambling Traveler gives us 10 tips to meeting people while traveling.
Beth at Wanderlust and Lipstick gives us 5 tips for solo women travelers and literally wrote the book (which I intend to review soon) on women traveling by themselves.
Ross Tabak at Brave New Traveler helps lead us through the 4 stages of culture shock.
